But there are constant threats of coups by dissatisfied military
officers. In the last 13 years all these have been headed off,
but one may succeed in the future.

As in Central America there are semi-official death squads
and freelance militias.

Muslims
There is a separatist Muslim guerrilla group on the island of
Mindanao (Moro National Liberation Front) which is fighting for
Muslim autonomy, at one time supported by Libya and other Islamic
states, including Iran and Pakistan.

The historical background of this war is that Spain conquered
the territory of the Sulu Sultanate based in Borneo but with
sovereignty of parts of Mindanao. From 1945 Christian settlers
from the islands to the north moved into Mindanao.

United States involvement
The United States Air Force had to leave its main base in Luzon
following the eruption of Mt Pinatubo. There was an agreement
to remove the remaining US forces during 1992. As the US forces
protected the government from military coups there is some doubt
about what will follow.

An unknown number of US forces are assisting the fight against
the Muslim rebels, suspected of having received assistance from
Osama bin Laden and his associates.

Oil
and natural gas have been discovered in Mindanao. No doubt the
potential wealth will complicate this war.